Communication method and related apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and a related apparatus, which are applied to the technical field of communications. In the technical solution provided by the present application, a terminal device receives a first message from a network device, the first message comprising a low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS) configuration; and after receiving the first message, the terminal device enables an LP-WUS function at a first time, and aligns, by means of defining different first times, the opportunity for a network to send an LP-WUS with the opportunity for the terminal device to wake up a low-power receiver (LR) to receive the LP-WUS. The terminal device enables an LP-WUS function at a first time to complete the switching between a master circuit and the LR in a receiving circuit in the terminal device, thereby ensuring the energy saving gain of the terminal device.

Description

Communication method and related device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on September 26, 2023, with application number 202311257840.1 and application name “Communication Methods and Related Devices”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to communication methods and related devices. Background Art

[0003] In the communications field, an ultra-low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS) mechanism has been proposed to reduce the power consumption of terminal devices. In this mechanism, the terminal device's receiving circuit is divided into two parts: the main radio (MR) and the low-power receiver (LR / LP-WUR). The energy-saving logic of the LP-WUS mechanism is that when there is no data or service transmission on the MR, it can enter a shutdown or sleep state to significantly reduce the terminal's "standby" power consumption. At the same time, the LR is turned on to listen for LP-WUS. When the LR receives the LP-WUS, it wakes up the MR for data or service transmission.

[0004] However, the communications field has not yet provided a technical solution for implementing the LP-WUS mechanism.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a communication method and related apparatus that can implement the LP-WUS mechanism, thereby reducing the power consumption of terminal devices.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a terminal device, or to a device, module, circuit, or chip in the terminal device, or to a device that can be used in conjunction with the terminal device. The method includes: receiving a first message, the first message including LP-WUS configuration information; enabling the LP-WUS function at a first time; wherein the first time is the time of receiving the first message, or the first time is separated from the time of receiving the first message by a first duration, or the first time is the time of sending a second message, or the first time is separated from the time of sending the second message by a first duration, or the first time is the time of receiving a response to the second message, or the first time is separated from the time of receiving the response to the second message by a first duration, and the second message is used to respond to the first message.

[0008] In this method, enabling the LP-WUS function may also be referred to as waking up the LP-WUS function, turning on the LP-WUS function, starting the LP-WUS function, activating the LP-WUS function, or using the LR to monitor a signal or signaling, such as LP-WUS.

[0009] In the method, enabling the LP-WUS function may include waking up or turning on the LR or starting the LR or activating the LR.

[0010] This method helps to align the timing of the network device sending the LP-WUS and the terminal waking up the LR to receive the LP-WUS, thereby helping to ensure energy saving gains for the terminal device while avoiding unnecessary communication resource overhead.

[0011] Optionally, enabling the LP-WUS function may further include disabling MR.

[0012] When there is no data or service transmission on the MR, by enabling the LP-WUS function,

[0013] The terminal can enter the shutdown or sleep state to significantly reduce the "standby" power consumption of the terminal, and at the same time turn on the LR to listen for LP-WUS. When the LR receives the LP-WUS, it will wake up the MR for data or service transmission.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the LP-WUS configuration information includes at least one of the following information: time domain configuration information of the LP-WUS, frequency domain configuration information of the LP-WUS, bandwidth configuration information of the LP-WUS, reference signal configuration information of the LP-WUS, identification information of the terminal device, or the purpose of enabling the LP-WUS function.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a terminal device, or to an apparatus, module, circuit or chip in a terminal device, or to an apparatus that can be used in conjunction with a terminal device. The method includes: receiving first information, the first information being used to indicate enabling a low-power wake-up signal LP-WUS function; and enabling the LP-WUS function at a first time. The first time is the time of receiving the first information, or the first time is separated from the time of receiving the first information by a first time duration, or the first time is the time of sending the second information, or the first time is separated from the time of sending the second information by a first time duration, or the first time is the time of receiving a response to the second information, or the first time is separated from the time of receiving the response to the second information by a first time duration, and the second information is used to respond to the first information.

[0016] In this method, enabling the LP-WUS function may also be referred to as waking up the LP-WUS function, turning on the LP-WUS function, starting the LP-WUS function, activating the LP-WUS function, or using the LR to monitor a signal or signaling, such as LP-WUS.

[0017] In the method, enabling the LP-WUS function may include waking up or turning on the LR or starting the LR or activating the LR.

[0018] This method helps to align the timing of the network device sending the LP-WUS and the terminal waking up the LR to receive the LP-WUS, thereby helping to ensure energy saving gains for the terminal device while avoiding unnecessary communication resource overhead.

[0019] Optionally, enabling the LP-WUS function may also include shutting down the MR. When there is no data or service transmission on the MR, by enabling the LP-WUS function, the MR can enter a shutdown or sleep state to significantly reduce the "standby" power consumption of the terminal. At the same time, the LR is enabled to listen for LP-WUS. When the LR receives the LP-WUS, it wakes up the MR to transmit data or service.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the method may further include: receiving a first message, where the first message includes LP-WUS configuration information.

[0021] In some possible implementations, the LP-WUS configuration includes at least one of the following information: time domain configuration information of the LP-WUS, frequency domain configuration information of the LP-WUS, bandwidth configuration information of the LP-WUS, reference signal configuration information of the LP-WUS, identification information of the terminal device, or the purpose of enabling the LP-WUS function.

[0022] In some possible implementations, the method may further include: sending third information, where the third information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: a request by the terminal device to enable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device having enabled the LP-WUS function, the terminal device's preference for enabling the LP-WUS function, the signal quality of the terminal device, the service information of the terminal device, the channel condition of the terminal device, or the channel quality of the terminal device.

[0023] In some possible implementations, the method may further include: sending fourth information, the fourth information being used to indicate at least one of the following information: a request by the terminal device to disable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device having disabled the LP-WUS function, the terminal device's preference for disabling the LP-WUS function, the signal quality of the terminal device, the service information of the terminal device, the channel condition of the terminal device, or the channel quality of the terminal device.

[0024] In some possible implementations, the method may further include: receiving fifth information through the LR of the terminal device, where the fifth information is used to instruct to disable the LP-WUS function.

[0025] In some possible implementations, the method may further include: receiving fifth information through the MR of the terminal device, where the fifth information is used to instruct to disable the LP-WUS function.

[0026] In this method, disabling the LP-WUS function may also be referred to as shutting down the LP-WUS function, deactivating the LP-WUS function, or not using the LR to monitor signals or signaling.

[0027] In this method, disabling the LP-WUS function may include shutting down the LR or deactivating the LR.

[0028] Optionally, disabling the LP-WUS function may further include turning on the MR. Turning on the MR may also be referred to as starting the MR, activating the MR, waking up the MR, or turning on the MR, or using the MR to receive information or signaling.

[0029] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a terminal device, or to an apparatus, module, circuit or chip in a terminal device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with a terminal device. The method includes: sending a first message, the first message is used to indicate at least one of the following information: a request by the terminal device to enable a low-power wake-up signal LP-WUS function, the terminal device has enabled the LP-WUS function, the terminal device's preference for enabling the LP-WUS function, the signal quality of the terminal device, the service information of the terminal device, the channel condition of the terminal device, or the channel quality of the terminal device; enabling the LP-WUS function at the first time. The first time is the sending time of the first information, or the first time interval between the first time and the sending of the first information is a first time length, or the first time is the time when the first information is successfully sent, or the first time interval between the first time and the successful sending of the first information is a first time length, and the time when the first information is successfully sent is the time when the terminal device receives a response message of the first information.

[0030] In this method, enabling the LP-WUS function may also be referred to as waking up the LP-WUS function, turning on the LP-WUS function, starting the LP-WUS function, activating the LP-WUS function, or using the LR to monitor a signal or signaling, such as LP-WUS.

[0031] In the method, enabling the LP-WUS function may include waking up or turning on the LR or starting the LR or activating the LR.

[0032] This method helps to align the timing of the network device sending the LP-WUS and the terminal waking up the LR to receive the LP-WUS, thereby helping to ensure energy saving gains for the terminal device while avoiding unnecessary communication resource overhead.

[0033] In some possible implementations, the method may further include: sending second information through the MR of the terminal device, the second information being used to indicate at least one of the following information: a request by the terminal device to disable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device having disabled the LP-WUS function, the terminal device's preference for disabling the LP-WUS function, the signal quality of the terminal device, the service information of the terminal device, the channel condition of the terminal device, or the channel quality of the terminal device.

[0034] In some possible implementations, the method may further include: monitoring LP-WUS through the LR of the terminal device; shutting down MR at a second time, where the second time is the time when the LP-WUS is sent or the time when the terminal device successfully parses the LP-WUS, or the second time is the time when the use of the MR is completed.

[0035] In this implementation, when the first condition is met, the second time is the sending time of LP-WUS or the time when the terminal device successfully parses LP-WUS, and the first condition includes at least one of the following: LP-WUS does not indicate waking up MR, LP-WUS does not indicate monitoring of the physical downlink control channel PDCCH, LP-WUS does not indicate that there is business, LP-WUS does not indicate that there is data, or the terminal device has no business or the terminal device has no data; and / or, when the second condition is met, the second time is the completion time of MR use, and the second condition includes at least one of the following: LP-WUS indicates waking up MR, LP-WUS indicates monitoring of PDCCH, LP-WUS indicates that there is business, LP-WUS indicates that there is data, the terminal device has data, or the terminal device has business.

[0036] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a terminal device, or to a device, module, circuit or chip in a terminal device, or a device that can be used with a terminal device. The method includes: sending first information, where the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: a request by the terminal device to enable a low-power wake-up signal LP-WUS function, the terminal device has enabled LP-WUS, the signal quality of the terminal device, the service information of the terminal device, the channel condition of the terminal device, the preference of the terminal device to enable the LP-WUS function, or the channel quality of the terminal device; starting to monitor LP-WUS through a main receiver MR of the terminal device at a first time, where the first time is the time when the first information is sent, or the first time is the time when the first information is successfully sent, and the time when the first information is successfully sent is the time when the terminal device receives a response information of the first information.

[0037] This method helps to align the timing of the network device sending the LP-WUS and the terminal waking up the LR to receive the LP-WUS, thereby helping to ensure energy saving gains for the terminal device while avoiding unnecessary communication resource overhead.

[0038] In some possible implementations, the LP-WUS function is enabled at a second time, where the second time is the time when the LP-WUS is sent or the time when the terminal device successfully parses the LP-WUS, or the second time is the time when the MR is completed.

[0039] In this method, enabling the LP-WUS function may also be referred to as waking up the LP-WUS function, turning on the LP-WUS function, starting the LP-WUS function, activating the LP-WUS function, or using the LR to monitor a signal or signaling, such as LP-WUS.

[0040] In the method, enabling the LP-WUS function may include waking up or turning on the LR or starting the LR or activating the LR.

[0041] In this implementation, when the first condition is met, the second time is the time when the LP-WUS is sent or the time when the terminal device successfully parses the LP-WUS, and the first condition includes at least one of the following: LP-WUS does not indicate waking up the MR, LP-WUS does not indicate monitoring of the physical downlink control channel PDCCH, LP-WUS does not indicate that there is business, LP-WUS does not indicate that there is data, the terminal device has no business, or the terminal device has no data; and / or, when the second condition is met, the second time is the time when the MR is used. The second condition includes at least one of the following: LP-WUS indicates waking up the MR, LP-WUS indicates monitoring of PDCCH, LP-WUS indicates that there is business, LP-WUS indicates that there is data, the terminal device has data, or the terminal device has business.

[0042] In some possible implementations, the MR is turned off at the second time, which can reduce the power consumption of the terminal device.

[0043] It can be understood that before turning off MR, the method also includes: sending second information through MR, the second information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: the terminal device requests to disable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device has disabled LP-WUS, the terminal device's preference for disabling the LP-WUS function, the signal quality of the terminal device, the service information of the terminal device, the channel condition of the terminal device, or the channel quality of the terminal device.

[0044] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a network device, or to a device, module, circuit or chip in a network device, or to a device that can be used in conjunction with a network device. The method includes: sending a first message, the first message including low-power wake-up signal LP-WUS configuration information; enabling the LP-WUS function at a first time; wherein the first time is the sending time of the first message, or the first time is a first time interval between the first time and the sending time of the first message, or the first time is a first time interval between the first time and the receiving time of the second message, or the first time is a sending time of a response message to the second message, or the first time is a first time interval between the first time and the sending time of the response message to the second message, and the second message is used to respond to the first message.

[0045] In this method, enabling the LP-WUS function may also be referred to as waking up the LP-WUS function, turning on the LP-WUS function, starting the LP-WUS function, activating the LP-WUS function, or using the LR to monitor a signal or signaling, such as LP-WUS.

[0046] In the method, enabling the LP-WUS function may include waking up or turning on the LR or starting the LR or activating the LR.

[0047] This method helps to align the timing of the network device sending the LP-WUS and the terminal waking up the LR to receive the LP-WUS, thereby helping to ensure energy saving gains for the terminal device while avoiding unnecessary communication resource overhead.

[0048] In some possible implementations, the LP-WUS configuration information includes at least one of the following information: LP-WUS time domain configuration information, LP-WUS frequency domain configuration information, LP-WUS bandwidth configuration information, LP-WUS reference signal configuration information, identification information of the terminal device, or the purpose of enabling the LP-WUS function.

[0049] Optionally, enabling the LP-WUS function may also include shutting down the MR. When there is no data or service transmission on the MR, by enabling the LP-WUS function, the MR can enter a shutdown or sleep state to significantly reduce the "standby" power consumption of the terminal. At the same time, the LR is enabled to listen for LP-WUS. When the LR receives the LP-WUS, it wakes up the MR to transmit data or service.

[0050] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a network device, or to a device, module, circuit or chip in a network device, or to a device that can be used in conjunction with a network device. The method includes: sending a first message, the first message being used to indicate enabling a low-power wake-up signal LP-WUS function; enabling the LP-WUS function at a first time; wherein the first time is the sending time of the first message, or the first time is separated from the sending time of the first message by a first time duration, or the first time is the receiving time of the second message, or the first time is separated from the receiving time of the second message by a first time duration, or the first time is the sending time of a response message to the second message, or the first time is separated from the sending time of a response message to the second message by a first time duration, and the second message is used to respond to the first message.

[0051] In some possible implementations, a first message is sent, where the first message includes LP-WUS configuration information.

[0052] In some possible implementations, the LP-WUS configuration information includes at least one of the following information: time domain configuration information of the LP-WUS, frequency domain configuration information of the LP-WUS, bandwidth configuration information of the LP-WUS, reference signal configuration information of the LP-WUS, identification information of the terminal device, or the purpose of enabling the LP-WUS function.

[0053] In some possible implementations, third information is received, and the third information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: a request by the terminal device to enable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device having enabled the LP-WUS function, the terminal device's preference for enabling the LP-WUS function, the signal quality of the terminal device, the service information of the terminal device, the channel condition of the terminal device, or the channel quality of the terminal device.

[0054] Optionally, enabling the LP-WUS function may also include shutting down the MR. When there is no data or service transmission on the MR, by enabling the LP-WUS function, the MR can enter a shutdown or sleep state to significantly reduce the "standby" power consumption of the terminal. At the same time, the LR is enabled to listen for LP-WUS. When the LR receives the LP-WUS, it wakes up the MR to transmit data or service.

[0055] In some possible implementations, fourth information is received, and the fourth information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: a request by the terminal device to disable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device has disabled the LP-WUS function, the terminal device's preference to disable the LP-WUS function, the signal quality of the terminal device, the service information of the terminal device, the channel condition of the terminal device, or the channel quality of the terminal device.

[0056] In some possible implementations, fifth information is sent, where the fifth information is used to instruct to disable the LP-WUS function.

[0057] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a network device, or to a device, module, circuit or chip in a network device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with a network device. The method includes: receiving first information, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: a request by a terminal device to enable a low-power wake-up signal LP-WUS function, the terminal device has enabled the LP-WUS function, the terminal device's preference for enabling the LP-WUS function, the signal quality of the terminal device, the service information of the terminal device, the channel condition of the terminal device, or the channel quality of the terminal device; enabling the LP-WUS function at a first time, wherein the first time is the reception time of the first information, or the first time is separated from the reception time of the first information by a first time duration, or the first time is the sending time of a response to the first information, or the first time is separated from the sending time of the response to the first information by a first time duration.

[0058] In this method, enabling the LP-WUS function may also be referred to as waking up the LP-WUS function, turning on the LP-WUS function, starting the LP-WUS function, activating the LP-WUS function, or using the LR to monitor a signal or signaling, such as LP-WUS.

[0059] In the method, enabling the LP-WUS function may include waking up or turning on the LR or starting the LR or activating the LR.

[0060] This method helps to align the timing of the network device sending the LP-WUS and the terminal waking up the LR to receive the LP-WUS, thereby helping to ensure energy saving gains for the terminal device while avoiding unnecessary communication resource overhead.

[0061] In some possible implementations, second information is received, and the second information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: a request by the terminal device to disable the LP-WUS function, a preference of the terminal device to disable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device having disabled the LP-WUS function, the signal quality of the terminal device, the service information of the terminal device, the channel condition of the terminal device, or the channel quality of the terminal device.

[0062] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may include a module corresponding to the method, operation, step, or action described in any one of the first to fourth aspects. The module may be implemented as a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of hardware circuit and software.

[0063] In one design, the apparatus may include a processing module and a communication module. The communication module is configured to perform the sending and receiving actions performed by the terminal device in the method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects above, and the processing module is configured to perform the processing-related actions performed by the terminal device in the method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects above.

[0064] In one design, the apparatus may be a terminal device, or a device, module, circuit or chip configured and arranged in the terminal device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the terminal device.

[0065] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may include a module corresponding to the method, operation, step, or action described in any one of aspects 5 to 7. The module may be implemented as a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of hardware circuit and software.

[0066] In one design, the apparatus may include a processing module and a communication module. The communication module is configured to perform the sending and receiving actions performed by the network device in the method described in any one of aspects 5 to 7 above, and the processing module is configured to perform the processing-related actions performed by the network device in the method described in any one of aspects 5 to 7 above.

[0067] In one design, the device may be a network device, or a device, module, circuit or chip configured and arranged in the network device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the network device.

[0068] In the tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor for processing data and / or information so that the method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects is implemented, or the method described in any one of the fifth to seventh aspects is implemented.

[0069] In one design, the device may be a network device, or a device, module, circuit or chip configured and arranged in the network device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the network device.

[0070] In one design, the apparatus may be a terminal device, or a device, module, circuit or chip configured and arranged in the terminal device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the terminal device.

[0071] Optionally, the device may also include a storage medium or memory, wherein the storage medium or memory is used to store programs or instructions, and the processor is used to run the program or instructions so that the method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects is implemented, or the method described in any one of the fifth to seventh aspects is implemented.

[0072] Optionally, the device may further include the transceiver circuit, or an input / output interface.

[0073] In the eleventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium includes instructions, which, when executed by a processor, enable the method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects to be implemented, or enable the method described in any one of the fifth to seventh aspects to be implemented.

[0074] In the twelfth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes computer program code or instructions. When the computer program code or instructions are executed, the method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects is implemented, or the method described in any one of the fifth to seventh aspects is implemented.

[0075] In the thirteenth aspect, a system is provided, which includes a combination of one or more of the following devices: a communication device that executes the method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects, or a communication device that executes the method described in any one of the fifth to seventh aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to the method of an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of another communication system applicable to the method of an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] FIG3 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0079] FIG4 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0080] FIG5 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0081] FIG6 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0082] FIG7 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0083] FIG8 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0084] FIG9 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0085] FIG10 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0086] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0087] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in yet another embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0089] To facilitate the clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, the words "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with substantially the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art will understand that the words "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the words "first" and "second" do not necessarily mean different.

[0090] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described in this application as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0091] In the embodiments of the present application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: the existence of A alone, the existence of A and B at the same time, and the existence of B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b and (or) c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0092] The communication method of the embodiment of the present application can be applied to the network architecture of a cellular communication system, wherein the cellular communication system may include a fourth generation (4G) network system, a 5G system, and a future sixth generation (6G) network system. The following description of the present application will take the 5G system as an example.

[0093] To facilitate understanding of the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the system architecture and application scenarios of the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application are described below. It is understood that the system architecture and application scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0094] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: fifth generation (5G) or new radio (NR) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, wireless local area networks (WLAN) systems, satellite communication systems, future communication systems, such as sixth generation (6G) mobile communication systems, or a fusion system of multiple systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to device to device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine to machine (M2M) communication, machine type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems or other communication systems.

[0095] A device in a communication system can send signals to or receive signals from another device. These signals may include information, signaling, or data. The term "device" can also be replaced by an entity, network entity, communication device, communication module, node, communication node, etc. This application uses devices as an example for description. For example, a communication system may include at least one terminal device and at least one network device. A network device can send downlink signals to a terminal device, and / or a terminal device can send uplink signals to a network device.

[0096] In an embodiment of the present application, the terminal device may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent or user device.

[0097] The terminal device may be a device that provides voice / data, such as a handheld device or vehicle-mounted device with a wireless connection function. At present, some examples of terminals are: mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks or future evolved public land mobile communication networks (PLMNs). The terminal equipment in the network (PLMN), etc., is not limited to this in the embodiments of the present application.

[0098] As an example and not a limitation, in the embodiment of the present application, the terminal device may also be a wearable device. Wearable devices may also be called wearable smart devices, which are a general term for wearable devices that are intelligently designed and developed using wearable technology for daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. A wearable device is a portable device that is worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothes or accessories. Wearable devices are not only hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are fully functional, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on smartphones, such as smart watches or smart glasses, as well as those that only focus on a certain type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0099] In the embodiments of the present application, the device for realizing the function of the terminal device can be a terminal device, or a device capable of supporting the terminal device to realize the function, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the terminal device or used in combination with the terminal device. In the embodiments of the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or it can include a chip and other discrete devices. In the embodiments of the present application, only the terminal device is used as an example for description, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to the solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

[0100] The network device in the embodiments of the present application may be a device for communicating with a terminal device, and may also be referred to as an access network device or a radio access network device. For example, the network device may be a base station. The network device in the embodiments of the present application may refer to a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects a terminal device to a wireless network. A base station may broadly cover various names as follows, or replace the following names, such as: NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNB), next generation NodeB (gNB), relay station, access point, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), master station, secondary station, multi-standard radio (motor slide retainer, MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), radio unit (RU), positioning node, etc. A base station may be a macro base station, a micro base station, a relay node, a donor node, or the like, or a combination thereof. The base station may also refer to a communication module, modem or chip that is set in the aforementioned equipment or device. The base station may also be a mobile switching center and a device that performs the base station function in D2D, V2X, and M2M communications, a network side device in a 6G network, a device that performs the base station function in future communication systems, etc. The base station can support networks with the same or different access technologies. Optionally, the RAN node may also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle or an on-board device, etc. For example, the access network device in the vehicle to everything (V2X) technology may be a road side unit (RSU). The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the network equipment.In some deployments, the network devices mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may include a CU, a DU, or both a CU and a DU, or a control plane CU node (central unit-control plane (CU-CP)), a user plane CU node (central unit-user plane (CU-UP)), and a DU node. For example, the network devices may include a gNB-CU-CP, a gNB-CU-UP, and a gNB-DU.

[0101] In some deployments, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminals in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing portions of the base station's functionality. For example, a RAN node can be a CU, DU, CU-CP, CU-UP, or RU. The CU and DU can be separate or included in the same network element, such as the BBU. The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or radio unit, such as an RRU, AAU, or RRH.

[0102] The RAN node may support one or more types of fronthaul interfaces, with different fronthaul interfaces corresponding to DUs and RUs with different functions. If the fronthaul interface between the DU and the RU is a common public radio interface (CPRI), the DU is configured to implement one or more baseband functions, and the RU is configured to implement one or more radio frequency functions. If the fronthaul interface between the DU and the RU is another type of interface, relative to the CPRI, some of the downlink and / or uplink baseband functions, such as precoding, digital beamforming (BF), or one or more of inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) / cyclic prefix (CP) for downlink, are moved from the DU to the RU for implementation; and for uplink, one or more of digital beamforming (BF), or fast Fourier transform (FFT) / cyclic prefix (CP) removal, are moved from the DU to the RU for implementation. In one possible implementation, the interface may be an enhanced common public radio interface (eCPRI). In the eCPRI architecture, the division between the DU and RU is different, corresponding to different types (category, Cat) of eCPRI, such as eCPRI Cat A, B, C, D, E, and F.

[0103] Taking eCPRI Cat A as an example, for downlink transmission, based on layer mapping, the DU is configured to implement layer mapping and one or more functions preceding it (i.e., one or more of coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, and layer mapping). Other functions after layer mapping (e.g., RE mapping, digital beamforming (BF), or one or more of inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) / cyclic prefix (CP) addition) are moved to the RU for implementation. For uplink transmission, based on RE demapping, the DU is configured to implement demapping and one or more functions preceding it (i.e., one or more of decoding, rate matching, descrambling, demodulation, inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT), channel equalization, and RE demapping). Other functions after demapping (e.g., one or more of digital BF or fast Fourier transform (FFT) / CP removal) are moved to the RU for implementation. It is understandable that for the functional description of DU and RU corresponding to various types of eCPRI, reference can be made to the eCPRI protocol, which will not be described in detail here.

[0104] In one possible design, the processing unit for implementing baseband functions in the BBU is called a baseband high layer (BBH) unit, and the processing unit for implementing baseband functions in the RRU / AAU / RRH is called a baseband low layer (BBL) unit.

[0105] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. Any unit of CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0106] In the embodiments of the present application, the device for implementing the functions of the network device can be a network device; it can also be a device that can support the network device to implement the functions, such as a chip system, a hardware circuit, a software module, or a hardware circuit and a software module. The device can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device. In the embodiments of the present application, only the device for implementing the functions of the network device is used as an example to illustrate, and does not constitute a limitation on the solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

[0107] The network device and / or terminal device can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on the water surface; it can also be deployed on aircraft, balloons and satellites in the air. The embodiments of this application do not limit the scenarios in which the network device and the terminal device are located. In addition, the terminal device and the network device can be hardware devices, or they can be software functions running on dedicated hardware, software functions running on general-purpose hardware, such as virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform), or entities including dedicated or general-purpose hardware devices and software functions. This application does not limit the specific forms of the terminal device and the network device.

[0108] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to the method of an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 may include at least one network device, such as the network device 110 shown in Figure 1; the communication system 100 may also include at least one terminal device, such as the terminal device 120 shown in Figure 1.

[0109] The network device 110 and the terminal device 120 may communicate via a wireless link. The communication devices in the communication system, for example, the network device 110 and the terminal device 120, may communicate via a multi-antenna technology.

[0110] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another communication system applicable to the method of an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 2, the terminal device includes a processor 211, a memory 212, and a transceiver 213. The transceiver 213 includes a transmitter 2131, a receiver 2132, and an antenna 2133. The network device includes a processor 221, a memory 222, and a transceiver 223. The transceiver 223 includes a transmitter 2231, a receiver 2232, and an antenna 2233.

[0111] The processor 211 , the memory 212 , and the transceiver 213 communicate with each other through an internal connection path, and the processor 221 , the memory 222 , and the transceiver 223 communicate with each other through an internal connection path.

[0112] It is understood that the receiver 2132 in the terminal device can be divided into two parts: MR and LR (or LP-WUR). The receiver 2132 receives transmission control information through the antenna 2133, and the transmitter 2131 can be used to send transmission feedback information to the network device through the antenna 2133.

[0113] Accordingly, the transmitter 2231 in the network device may be configured to send transmission control information to the terminal device via the antenna 2233 , and the receiver 2232 may be configured to receive transmission feedback information sent by the terminal device via the antenna 2233 .

[0114] It should be noted that Figures 1 and 2 are simplified schematic diagrams for ease of understanding. For example, the communication system may also include other devices, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices, and may also include one or more core network elements, which are not shown in Figures 1 and 2. In actual applications, the communication system may include multiple network devices and multiple terminal devices. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the number of network devices and terminal devices included in the communication system.

[0115] Currently, research is underway on an ultra-low-power wake-up signal (LP-WUS) mechanism. In hardware implementation, the terminal device's receiving circuitry is divided into two parts: the main circuit (MR) and the low-power receiver (LR / LP-WUR). The MR is used for data reception or service transmission, while the LR serves as a dedicated auxiliary receiver for the wake-up signal, detecting and processing the wake-up signal (WUS).

[0116] The LP-WUS mechanism's energy-saving logic is that when the MR is not transmitting data or services, it can enter a shutdown or sleep state to significantly reduce the "standby" power consumption of the terminal. At the same time, the LR is turned on to listen for wake-up signals. When the LR receives a wake-up signal, it first wakes up the MR before transmitting data or services.

[0117] However, there's currently no specific technical solution for implementing the LP-WUS mechanism in the communications field. However, one current design approach involves configuring LP-WUS through proprietary signaling messages sent from the network device to the terminal device. This means that only after the network device sends the LP-WUS configuration message to the terminal device can the terminal device subsequently activate LP-WUS and use the feature.

[0118] However, this design presents two issues. First, the network device may activate the LP-WUS mechanism before the terminal device. For the terminal device, even if the network device has already started sending LP-WUS, because the terminal device has not yet activated the LP-WUS mechanism, the MR must remain active until the terminal device enables LP-WUS reception. This results in additional power consumption and reduces the original energy savings. For the network device, sending LP-WUS messages that will not be received by the terminal device for a period of time generates unnecessary signaling overhead.

[0119] Secondly, the LP-WUS mechanism may be activated on the terminal device before the network device. Upon activation of LP-WUS on the terminal device, the MR is immediately disabled and the LR is enabled to monitor for LP-WUS. If the network device still has unfinished data or services to transmit to the terminal device, and the terminal device misses the services or data due to the MR being disabled, the network device will need to schedule retransmissions, adding additional overhead.

[0120] To address the above issues, this application designs a control scheme for aligning the activation timing of network devices and terminal devices to ensure that the terminal device can receive LP-WUS at the appropriate time, and the network device can send LP-WUS at the appropriate time, ensuring the energy saving gain of the terminal device while avoiding unnecessary communication resource overhead.

[0121] Figure 3 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The processing described below as being performed by a terminal device or a network device may also be performed by a device, module, circuit or chip in the terminal device or the network device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the terminal device or the network device. The processing performed by a single execution subject in the embodiment of the present application may also be divided into executions by multiple execution subjects, and these execution subjects may be logically and / or physically separated. For example, the processing performed by the network device may be divided into executions by at least one of a CU, a DU and a RU. As shown in Figure 3, the communication method may include S310 and S320.

[0122] S310: The network device sends a first message to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first message from the network device. The first message includes LP-WUS configuration information.

[0123] As an example, the LP-WUS configuration information may include at least one of the following information: time domain configuration information of LP-WUS, frequency domain configuration information of LP-WUS, bandwidth configuration information of LP-WUS, reference signal configuration information of LP-WUS, identification information of the terminal device, or the purpose of enabling the LP-WUS function.

[0124] As an example, the first message may be dedicated signaling, such as a radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration message.

[0125] In some possible implementations, at least one of the LP-WUS time domain configuration information, the LP-WUS frequency domain configuration information, the LP-WUS bandwidth configuration information, and the LP-WUS reference signal configuration information may be sent via broadcast signaling.

[0126] It can be understood that the terminal device receives the first message through the MR.

[0127] S320: The terminal device enables the LP-WUS function for the first time. Correspondingly, the network device enables the LP-WUS function for the first time.

[0128] For the terminal device, the first time is the receiving time of the first message, or the first time is separated from the receiving time of the first message by a first time interval, or the first time is separated from the sending time of the second message by a first time interval, or the first time is separated from the sending time of the second message by a first time interval, or the first time is separated from the receiving time of the response information of the second message by a first time interval, and the second message is used to respond to the first message.

[0129] For the network device, the first time is the time the first message is sent, or the first time interval between the first time and the sending of the first message is a first duration, or the first time is the time the second message is received, or the first time interval between the first time and the receiving of the second message is a first duration, or the first time is the time the response to the second message is sent, or the first time interval between the first time and the sending of the response to the second message is a first duration, and the second message is used to respond to the first message. There may be a certain error between the first time for the terminal device and the first time for the network device, but this is negligible relative to the overall process.

[0130] In this step, enabling the LP-WUS function of the terminal device may also be referred to as turning on the LP-WUS function, starting the LP-WUS function, activating the LP-WUS function, or using LR to monitor signals or signaling, such as LP-WUS.

[0131] In this step, the terminal device enables the LP-WUS function, which can be understood as the terminal device can or is able to wake up or turn on the LR or start the LR or activate the LR when the first time arrives.

[0132] In this step, the terminal device may wake up the LR by sending information or a current signal to the LR.

[0133] Optionally, the terminal device enabling the LP-WUS function may further include: shutting down the MR. Shutting down the MR may be understood as the MR entering a sleep state or sleep mode.

[0134] In this step, enabling the LP-WUS function at the first time by the network device can be understood as: starting from the first time, the network device can or is capable of sending the LP-WUS. In other words, if the LP-WUS function is enabled at the first time, and if there is a need to send the LP-WUS to the terminal device at the first time or after the first time, the network device will send the LP-WUS. The following content of this embodiment uses the network device sending the LP-WUS at the first time as an example.

[0135] In this step, it can be understood that the network device implicitly instructs the terminal device to enable the LP-WUS function through the LP-WUS configuration information.

[0136] In this step, it can be understood that when the first time is separated from the reception time of the first message by a first time interval, the first time is after the reception time of the first message; when the first time is separated from the reception time of the response information of the second message by a first time interval, the first time is after the sending time of the second message.

[0137] In this step, the first duration may be a preset duration, and the first duration may also be referred to as an effective duration. The first duration may be expressed in units of system frame number (SFN), subframe, time slot, or symbol; or the first duration may be a time length, such as in seconds or milliseconds.

[0138] The communication method of this embodiment helps to align the timing of the network device sending the LP-WUS and the terminal waking up the LR to receive the LP-WUS, thereby helping to ensure energy saving gains of the terminal device while avoiding unnecessary communication resource overhead.

[0139] In this step, the terminal device enables the LP-WUS function at the first time, which can be understood as: the terminal device uses the reference time point as the starting time point, waits for a period of time to take effect, wakes up the LR, and turns off the MR.

[0140] In this step, the network device sends the LP-WUS at the first time, which can be understood as: taking the reference time point as the starting point, waiting for the effective time, and then sending the LP-WUS.

[0141] As an example, the reference time point may be a time point known to both the network device and the terminal device.

[0142] As an example, the reference time point may be an SFN, a subframe, a time slot, or a symbol; or, it may be a time length, for example, the unit may be seconds or milliseconds.

[0143] In this step, the effective time is optional. If there is no effective time, it can be understood that the first time is the reference time point.

[0144] As an example, the effective time may be configured by the network device to the terminal device, or may be a value specified by the protocol, or may be pre-configured in the terminal device, such as in a SIM card.

[0145] As an example, when the first message is an RRC reconfiguration message, the terminal device can use the time of receiving the RRC reconfiguration message as the reference time point, and the network device can use the time of sending the RRC reconfiguration message as the reference time point.

[0146] As an example, when the first message is an RRC reconfiguration message and the second message is an RRC reconfiguration completion message, the terminal device can use the time of sending the RRC reconfiguration completion message as the reference time point, and the network device can use the time of receiving the RRC reconfiguration completion message as the reference time point.

[0147] As an example, when the first message is an RRC reconfiguration message, the second message is an RRC reconfiguration completion message, and the response information of the second message is a radio link control (radio link control ACK, RLC ACK), the terminal device can use the time of receiving the RLC ACK as the reference time point, and the network device can use the time of sending the RLC ACK as the reference time point.

[0148] In this step, one implementation method of the terminal device waiting for the effective time is as follows: configure a timer, the timing duration of the timer is the effective time, the terminal device starts the timer at the reference point time, and enables the LP-WUS function when the timer expires.

[0149] In this step, another implementation method of the terminal device waiting for the effective time is as follows: the terminal device calculates the first time based on the reference time point and the effective time, and enables the LP-WUS function when the first time arrives.

[0150] The communication method of this embodiment may optionally further include S330.

[0151] S330: The network device sends an LP-WUS to the terminal device. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the LP-WUS from the network device. In this embodiment, if the LP-WUS function is enabled when the LP-WUS arrives at the terminal device, the terminal device can receive the LP-WUS through the LR.

[0152] If the terminal device determines that the MR needs to be awakened based on the LP-WUS received by the LR, the terminal device awakens the MR and turns off the LR. For example, the terminal device can awaken the MR by sending information or a current signal to the MR, causing the MR to turn on, enter, or activate a working state or working mode.

[0153] As an example, the LR of the terminal device detects, receives, or successfully decodes the LP-WUS and then wakes up the MR. Alternatively, the terminal device may wake up the MR only when it confirms that the LP-WUS is paging the terminal device; otherwise, the MR is not woken up.

[0154] In this embodiment, waking up the MR may be understood as turning on the MR, or triggering the MR to exit a sleep state or sleep mode, or triggering the MR to enter a wake-up state or wake-up mode, etc.

[0155] The communication method of this embodiment may optionally further include S340.

[0156] S340: The network device sends third information to the terminal device, where the third information is used to instruct the terminal device to disable the LP-WUS function. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third information.

[0157] In this embodiment, disabling the LP-WUS function may also be referred to as shutting down the LP-WUS function, deactivating the LP-WUS function, or not using the LR to monitor signals or signaling.

[0158] In this embodiment, after receiving the third information, the terminal device may disable the LP-WUS function.

[0159] It can be understood that the terminal device receives the third information through the MR.

[0160] After the terminal device disables the LP-WUS function, it may not wake up the LR and shut down the MR even if a call arrives at the first time. After the network device disables the LP-WUS function, it may not send an LP-WUS even if a call arrives at the first time.

[0161] As an example, the third information may be referred to as a deconfiguration message of the LP-WUS configuration information. The deconfiguration message may be a dedicated signaling, such as a deconfiguration message of an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0162] As an example, the first message is an RRC reconfiguration message, and the network device sends a deconfiguration message of the RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal, in order for the terminal device to delete the configuration indicated by the RRC reconfiguration message. When the terminal device receives the deconfiguration message sent by the network device, or the deconfiguration message received by the terminal device includes deactivation indication information, it no longer monitors the LP-WUS through the LR.

[0163] It is understandable that step S304 is an optional step. For example, the terminal device may automatically disable the LP-WUS function when it needs to use MR. For another example, the terminal device may automatically disable the LP-WUS function after enabling the LP-WUS function for a certain period of time.

[0164] In this embodiment, the network device sends LP-WUS configuration information to the terminal device and activates the LP-WUS function in the terminal device through the configuration information. This allows the terminal device and the network device to align the timing of the network sending the LP-WUS and the terminal waking up the LR to receive the LP-WUS, thus avoiding resource consumption.

[0165] Figure 4 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The processing described below as being performed by a terminal device or a network device may also be performed by a device, module, circuit or chip in the terminal device or the network device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the terminal device or the network device. The processing performed by a single execution subject in the embodiment of the present application may also be divided into executions by multiple execution subjects, and these execution subjects may be logically and / or physically separated. For example, the processing performed by the network device may be divided into executions by at least one of the CU, DU and RU. As shown in Figure 4, the communication method may include S410 to S430.

[0166] S410: The network device sends first information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information. The first information is used to indicate that the LP-WUS function is enabled.

[0167] In this step, enabling the LP-WUS function may also be referred to as waking up the LP-WUS function, turning on the LP-WUS function, starting the LP-WUS function, or activating the LP-WUS function.

[0168] In this step, enabling the LP-WUS function can be understood as: using the LR to monitor signals (such as LP-WUS) or signaling, or waking up the LR. Waking up the LR can also be called turning on the LR, starting the LR, or activating the LR.

[0169] In this step, the LR may be awakened by sending information or a current signal to the LR.

[0170] Optionally, enabling the LP-WUS function may further include: shutting down the MR. Shutting down the MR may be understood as the MR entering a sleep state or sleep mode.

[0171] As an example, the first information may be referred to as a LP-WUS activation command.

[0172] As an example, the first information may be carried in at least one of the following messages: an RRC message, downlink control information (DCI), and a MAC control element (MAC CE) signaling.

[0173] S420: The terminal device enables the LP-WUS function for the first time. Correspondingly, the network device enables the LP-WUS function for the first time.

[0174] For the terminal device, the first time is the receiving time of the first information, or the first time is separated from the receiving time of the first information by a first time duration, or the first time is separated from the sending time of the second information by a first time duration, or the first time is separated from the sending time of the second information by a first time duration, or the first time is separated from the receiving time of the response information of the second information by a first time duration, and the second information is used to respond to the first information.

[0175] For the network device, the LP-WUS function is enabled at a first time. The first time is a sending time of the first message, or a first time interval between the first time and the sending time of the first message, or the first time is a receiving time of the second message, or a first time interval between the first time and the receiving time of the second message, or the first time is a sending time of a response message to the second message, or a first time interval between the first time and the sending time of a response message to the second message, where the second message is used to respond to the first message.

[0176] In this step, the terminal device enables the LP-WUS function at the first time. This can be understood as follows: after receiving the LP-WUS activation command from the network device, the terminal device uses the reference time as the starting point and waits for a period of time (Tactivation) before waking up the LR. The use of the activation time is optional. If there is no activation time, the LR is woken up at the reference time. The activation time can be referred to as the first duration, and the time point after the reference time point reaches the activation time can be referred to as the first time.

[0177] In this step, the terminal device can shut down the MR while waking up the LR.

[0178] In this step, enabling the LP-WUS function at the first time by the network device can be understood as: starting from the first time, the network device can or is capable of sending the LP-WUS. In other words, if the LP-WUS function is enabled at the first time, and if there is a need to send the LP-WUS to the terminal device at the first time or after the first time, the network device will send the LP-WUS. The following content of this embodiment uses the network device sending the LP-WUS at the first time as an example.

[0179] In this step, the network device sends the LP-WUS at the first time, which can be understood as: taking the reference time point as the starting point, waiting for the effective time, and then sending the LP-WUS.

[0180] In this step, the reference time point can be considered as a time point known to both the network device and the terminal device. The reference time point can be an SFN, subframe, time slot or symbol; it can also be a time length, such as seconds or milliseconds.

[0181] As an example, if the LP-WUS activation command is carried in an RRC message or in MAC CE signaling, the reference time point of the terminal device may be the time when the terminal device receives the message, or the moment of HARQ feedback of the message, and the reference time point of the network device may be the time when the network device sends the message, or the moment when the network device receives HARQ feedback of the message.

[0182] As an example, if the LP-WUS activation command is carried in the RRC reconfiguration message, the reference time point of the terminal device can be the moment when the RRC reconfiguration completion message sent by the network device is received, and the network device can use the time when the RRC reconfiguration completion message is received as the reference time point.

[0183] As an example, if the LP-WUS activation command is carried in DCI signaling, the reference time point of the terminal device may be the time when the DCI signaling is received, and the network device may use the sending time of the DCI signaling as the reference time point.

[0184] In this step, as an example, when the first information is carried in an RRC reconfiguration message, the second message is an RRC reconfiguration completion message, and the response information of the second message is an RLC ACK, the reference time point of the terminal device can be the time when the RLC ACK is received, and the network device can use the time when the RLC ACK is sent as the reference time point.

[0185] In this step, the effective time is a time parameter, and the time unit may be SFN, subframe, time slot or symbol; or it may be a time length, for example, time information with seconds or milliseconds as the time unit.

[0186] As an example, the effective time may be configured by the network device to the terminal device, or may be a value specified by the protocol, or may be pre-configured in the terminal device, such as in a SIM card.

[0187] In this step, one implementation method of the terminal device waiting for the effective time is as follows: configure a timer, the timing duration of the timer is the generation time, the terminal device starts the timer at the reference point time, and enables the LP-WUS function when the timer expires.

[0188] In this step, another implementation method of the terminal device waiting for the effective time is as follows: the terminal device calculates the first time based on the reference time point and the effective time, and enables the LP-WUS function when the first time arrives.

[0189] In this embodiment, the terminal device can wake up the LR at the first time and shut down the MR. After being woken up, the LR can monitor the LP-WUS sent by the network device for paging the terminal device.

[0190] In the communication method of this embodiment, optionally, after S410, the following step may be further included: the network device sends an LP-WUS to the terminal device, and accordingly, the terminal device receives the LP-WUS from the network device.

[0191] In this embodiment, if the terminal device has enabled the LP-WUS function when the LP-WUS arrives at the terminal device, the terminal device can receive the LP-WUS through the LR.

[0192] If the terminal device determines that the MR needs to be awakened based on the LP-WUS received by the LR, the terminal device awakens the MR and turns off the LR. For example, the terminal device can awaken the MR by sending information or a current signal to the MR, causing the MR to turn on, enter, or activate a working state or working mode.

[0193] As an example, the LR of the terminal device detects, receives, or successfully decodes the LP-WUS and then wakes up the MR. Alternatively, the terminal device may wake up the MR only when it confirms that the LP-WUS is paging the terminal device; otherwise, the MR is not woken up.

[0194] In this embodiment, waking up the MR may be understood as turning on the MR, or triggering the MR to exit a sleep state or sleep mode, or triggering the MR to enter a wake-up state or wake-up mode, etc.

[0195] In the communication method of this embodiment, before S410, optionally, S402 may also be included.

[0196] S402: The network device sends LP-WUS configuration information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the LP-WUS configuration information from the network device.

[0197] It can be understood that when the terminal device receives the LP-WUS configuration information, the LR in the terminal device is in a closed state and the MR is in a working state. Therefore, the terminal device receives the LP-WUS configuration information through the MR.

[0198] As an example, the LP-WUS configuration information may include at least one of the following information: time domain configuration information of LP-WUS, frequency domain configuration information of LP-WUS, bandwidth configuration information of LP-WUS, reference signal configuration information of LP-WUS, identification information of the terminal device, or the purpose of enabling the LP-WUS function.

[0199] As an example, the LP-WUS configuration information may be carried in dedicated signaling, such as an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0200] In some possible implementations, at least one of the LP-WUS time domain configuration information, the LP-WUS frequency domain configuration information, the LP-WUS bandwidth configuration information, and the LP-WUS reference signal configuration information may be sent via broadcast signaling.

[0201] In the communication method of this embodiment, before S410, optionally, S406 may be further included. It is understood that this embodiment does not limit the order between S402 and S406.

[0202] S406, the terminal device sends third information to the network device, and the third information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: the terminal device requests to enable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device has enabled the LP-WUS function, the terminal device's preference for enabling the LP-WUS function, the signal quality of the terminal device, the service information of the terminal device, the channel condition of the terminal device, or the channel quality of the terminal device.

[0203] As an example, the third information may be carried in an RRC message, or reported as UE assistance information (UAI), or may be a newly defined message.

[0204] As an example, the third information may be implemented in the form of a specific field, a bit, a predefined dictionary, etc.

[0205] As an example, the terminal device determines whether a preset condition is met, and if so, decides to enable the LP-WUS function, that is, to send the third information.

[0206] As an example, the preset condition determined by the terminal device here may include whether at least one of the following information meets a preset value: signal quality, bit error rate, or the terminal device's own preference, current service situation.

[0207] As an example, the signal quality may include at least one of the following: reference signal receiving power (RSRP), reference signal receiving quality (RSRQ), or signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR).

[0208] As an example, the preset condition judged by the terminal device here may be sent to the terminal device in advance by the network device through cell broadcast signaling, or sent to the terminal device by the network device through proprietary signaling, or specified in the protocol.

[0209] As an example, if the third information includes a request from the terminal device to enable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device has enabled the LP-WUS function, or the terminal device's preference to enable the LP-WUS function, then after the network device receives the third information, it can issue an LP-WUS activation command, that is, issue the first information, in a scenario where it agrees with the terminal device's instructions.

[0210] As an example, if the third information includes signal quality, service information, channel conditions, channel quality and other information, the network device can determine whether to issue an LP-WUS activation command based on the third information, and issue an LP-WUS activation command to the terminal device in the scenario determined to be issued, that is, issue the first information.

[0211] As an example, if the third information includes the terminal device requesting to enable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device already enabling the LP-WUS function, or the terminal device's preference to enable the LP-WUS function, and also includes signal quality, service information, channel conditions, channel quality and other information, the network device can determine whether to enable the LP-WUS function based on signal quality, service information, channel conditions, channel quality and other information, and send the first information in combination with the terminal device requesting to enable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device already enabling the LP-WUS function, or the terminal device's preference to enable the LP-WUS function in the third information.

[0212] In the communication method of this embodiment, after S420, optionally, S430 may be further included.

[0213] S430, the network device sends instruction information to the terminal device, where the instruction information is used to instruct to disable the LP-WUS function.

[0214] In this step, the instruction information may also be referred to as LP-WUS function deconfiguration information.

[0215] As an example, before the network device sends the indication information to the terminal device, in the terminal device, the LR is in the working state and the MR is in the awake state. Therefore, the terminal device can receive the indication information through the LR.

[0216] In this embodiment, disabling the LP-WUS function may also be referred to as shutting down the LP-WUS function, deactivating the LP-WUS function, or not using the LR to monitor signals or signaling.

[0217] In this embodiment, after receiving the instruction information, the terminal device may disable the LP-WUS function.

[0218] After the terminal device disables the LP-WUS function, you can turn off LR and enable MR.

[0219] After the terminal device disables the LP-WUS function, it may not perform the operation of waking up the LR and shutting down the MR even if the first arrival is made. After the network device disables the LP-WUS function, it may not perform the operation of sending the LP-WUS even if the first arrival is made.

[0220] In this embodiment, the network device sends LP-WUS configuration information to the terminal device and activates the LP-WUS function in the terminal device through the configuration information. This allows the terminal device and the network device to align the timing of the network sending the LP-WUS and the terminal waking up the LR to receive the LP-WUS, thus avoiding resource consumption.

[0221] Figure 5 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by another embodiment of the present application. The processing described below as being performed by a terminal device or a network device may also be performed by a device, module, circuit or chip in the terminal device or the network device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the terminal device or the network device. The processing performed by a single execution subject in the embodiment of the present application may also be divided into executions by multiple execution subjects, and these execution subjects may be logically and / or physically separated. For example, the processing performed by the network device may be divided into executions by at least one of a CU, a DU and a RU. As shown in Figure 5, the communication method may include S510 and S520.

[0222] S510: The network device sends first information to the terminal device, where the first information is used to instruct the terminal device to enable the LP-WUS function. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information.

[0223] For details of this step, please refer to S410 and will not be repeated here.

[0224] S520: The terminal device enables the LP-WUS function for the first time. Correspondingly, the network device enables the LP-WUS function for the first time.

[0225] For details of this step, please refer to S420 and will not be repeated here.

[0226] Optionally, the communication method of this embodiment may further include S502 before S510.

[0227] S502: The network device sends LP-WUS configuration information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the LP-WUS configuration information from the network device.

[0228] For details of this step, please refer to S402 and will not be repeated here.

[0229] In the communication method of this embodiment, before S510, optionally, S506 may be further included. It is understood that this embodiment does not limit the order between S502 and S506.

[0230] S506, the terminal device sends third information to the network device, and the third information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: the terminal device requests to enable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device has enabled the LP-WUS function, the terminal device's preference for enabling the LP-WUS function, the signal quality of the terminal device, the service information of the terminal device, the channel condition of the terminal device, or the channel quality of the terminal device.

[0231] For details of this step, please refer to S406 and will not be repeated here.

[0232] Optionally, in the communication method of this embodiment, after S520, optionally, S530 may be further included.

[0233] S530: The network device sends fifth information to the terminal device, where the fifth information is used to instruct the terminal device to disable the LP-WUS function. The terminal device receives the fifth information via the MR.

[0234] The fifth information in this step may also be referred to as an LP-WUS function deactivation command.

[0235] As an example, the fifth information may be carried in at least one of the following messages: an RRC message, a DCI signaling, or a MAC CE signaling.

[0236] In this embodiment, the implementation manner in which the terminal device disables the LP-WUS function based on the fifth information can refer to the implementation manner in which the terminal device disables the LP-WUS function based on the third information in S430, and will not be repeated here.

[0237] Optionally, in the communication method of this embodiment, after S520 and before S530, S525 may be further included.

[0238] S525, the terminal device sends fourth information, and the fourth information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: the terminal device requests to disable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device has disabled the LP-WUS function, the terminal device's preference for disabling the LP-WUS function, the signal quality of the terminal device, the service information of the terminal device, the channel condition of the terminal device, or the channel quality of the terminal device.

[0239] It can be understood that the terminal device sends the fourth information through MR.

[0240] This step can refer to S406, for example, replacing the third information in S406 with the fourth information in this embodiment, and therefore is not further described here. It should be noted that in S406, after receiving the third information, the network device will issue an LP-WUS activation command to the terminal device. In this embodiment, after receiving the fourth information, the network device does not issue an LP-WUS activation command to the terminal device, but instead issues the fifth information.

[0241] In this embodiment, the network device sends LP-WUS configuration information to the terminal device and activates the LP-WUS function in the terminal device through the configuration information. This allows the terminal device and the network device to align the timing of the network sending the LP-WUS and the terminal waking up the LR to receive the LP-WUS, thus avoiding resource consumption.

[0242] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, in S525 and S530, the MR in the terminal device needs to be in the on state. The following describes an exemplary scenario in which the MR of the terminal device is in the on state with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0243] As shown in FIG6 , optionally, in the communication method of this embodiment, after S520 and before S530 and / or S525 , optionally, S524 may also be included.

[0244] S524: The network device sends an LP-WUS to the terminal device. The terminal device receives the LP-WUS via the LR.

[0245] For example, after the terminal device enables the LP-WUS function in S520, in a scenario where the terminal device turns off the MR and wakes up the LR, if the network device sends an LP-WUS, the terminal device can receive the LP-WUS through the LR.

[0246] After receiving the LP-WUS through the LR, the terminal device may wake up the MR under the instruction of the LP-WUS, and optionally, shut down the LR.

[0247] As shown in FIG. 7 , optionally, in the communication method of this embodiment, before S530 and after S525 , optionally, S526 may be further included.

[0248] S526: The network device sends an LP-WUS to the terminal device. The terminal device receives the LP-WUS via the LR.

[0249] For example, in a scenario where the terminal device turns off the MR and wakes up the LR, if the network device sends an LP-WUS, the terminal device can receive the LP-WUS through the LR. After receiving the LP-WUS through the LR, the terminal device can wake up the MR under the instruction of the LP-WUS, and optionally turn off the LR. This can put the MR of the terminal device in an awake mode, so that the terminal device can receive the fifth information sent by the network device through the MR.

[0250] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , optionally, before S525 , in a scenario where the terminal device executes S520 and turns off the MR and wakes up the LR, S522 may also be included.

[0251] S522, the terminal device wakes up the MR.

[0252] As an example, when the terminal device determines that the fourth information needs to be sent to the network device, the MR may be woken up.

[0253] Optionally, in this step, when the terminal device wakes up the MR, it may also shut down the LR.

[0254] Optionally, after waking up the MR to send the fourth information, the terminal device may turn off the MR again and wake up the LR.

[0255] Figure 8 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by another embodiment of the present application. The processing described below as being performed by a terminal device or a network device may also be performed by a device, module, circuit or chip in the terminal device or the network device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the terminal device or the network device. The processing performed by a single execution subject in the embodiment of the present application may also be divided into executions by multiple execution subjects, and these execution subjects may be logically and / or physically separated. For example, the processing performed by the network device may be divided into executions by at least one of the CU, DU and RU. As shown in Figure 8, the communication method may include S810 to S830.

[0256] S810, the terminal device sends first information, where the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: a request by the terminal device to enable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device having enabled the LP-WUS function, the terminal device's preference for enabling the LP-WUS function, the signal quality of the terminal device, the service information of the terminal device, the channel condition of the terminal device, or the channel quality of the terminal device.

[0257] This step can refer to S406. For example, the third information in S406 is replaced with the first information here. Therefore, it is not repeated here. It should be noted that in S406, after receiving the third information, the network device will issue an LP-WUS activation command to the terminal device. In this embodiment, after receiving the first information, the network device may not issue an LP-WUS activation command to the terminal device. The network device can determine whether to enable its own LP-WUS function.

[0258] S820: The terminal device enables the LP-WUS function for the first time. Correspondingly, the network device enables the LP-WUS function for the first time.

[0259] For the terminal device, the first time is the time when the first information is sent, or the first time is the first time interval between the first time and the sending of the first information, or the first time is the time when the first information is successfully sent, or the first time interval between the first time and the successful sending of the first information, and the time when the first information is successfully sent is the time when the terminal device receives the response information of the first information.

[0260] For the network device, the first time is the receiving time of the first information, or the first time is separated from the receiving time of the first information by a first time duration, or the first time is separated from the sending time of the response information of the first information by a first time duration, and the second information is used to respond to the first information.

[0261] In this step, the terminal device enables the LP-WUS function at the first time. This can be understood as follows: after sending the first information, the terminal device uses the reference time point as the starting point, waits for an activation time (Tactivation), and then wakes up the LR, or even shuts down the MR. The activation time is optional. If there is no activation time, the LR is woken up at the reference time point. The activation time can be called the first duration, and the time point after the reference time point reaches the activation time can be called the first time.

[0262] In this step, enabling the LP-WUS function at the first time by the network device can be understood as: starting from the first time, the network device can or is capable of sending the LP-WUS. In other words, if the LP-WUS function is enabled at the first time, and if there is a need to send the LP-WUS to the terminal device at the first time or after the first time, the network device will send the LP-WUS. The following content of this embodiment uses the network device sending the LP-WUS at the first time as an example.

[0263] In this step, the network device sends the LP-WUS at the first time, which can be understood as: taking the reference time point as the starting point, waiting for the effective time, and then sending the LP-WUS.

[0264] In this step, the reference time point can be considered as a time point known to both the network device and the terminal device. The reference time point can be an SFN, subframe, time slot or symbol; it can also be a time length, such as seconds or milliseconds.

[0265] As an example, if the first information is carried in an RRC message, the reference time point of the terminal device may be the time when the terminal device sends the RRC message, and the reference time point of the network device may be the time when the network device receives the RRC message.

[0266] As an example, if the first information is carried in UAI, the reference time point of the terminal device may be the time when the terminal device sends the UAI, and the reference time point of the network device may be the time when the network device receives the UAI.

[0267] As an example, the response message of the first information may be RLC ACK information. That is, the reference time point of the terminal device may be the time when the terminal device receives the RLC ACK information sent by the network device in response to the first information, and the reference time point of the network device may be the time when the network device sends the RLC ACK information in response to the first information.

[0268] In this step, the relevant content of the effective time can refer to the relevant content of the effective time in any of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0269] In this embodiment, the terminal device can wake up the LR at the first time and shut down the MR. After being woken up, the LR can monitor the LP-WUS sent by the network device for paging the terminal device.

[0270] In the communication method of this embodiment, optionally, after S820, the following step may be further included: the network device sends an LP-WUS to the terminal device, and accordingly, the terminal device receives the LP-WUS from the network device.

[0271] In this embodiment, if the terminal device has enabled the LP-WUS function when the LP-WUS arrives at the terminal device, the terminal device can receive the LP-WUS through the LR.

[0272] If the terminal device determines that the MR needs to be awakened based on the LP-WUS received by the LR, the terminal device awakens the MR and turns off the LR. For example, the terminal device can awaken the MR by sending information or a current signal to the MR, causing the MR to turn on, enter, or activate a working state or working mode.

[0273] As an example, the LR of the terminal device detects, receives, or successfully decodes the LP-WUS and then wakes up the MR. Alternatively, the terminal device may wake up the MR only when it confirms that the LP-WUS is paging the terminal device; otherwise, the MR is not woken up.

[0274] In this embodiment, waking up the MR may be understood as turning on the MR, or triggering the MR to exit a sleep state or sleep mode, or triggering the MR to enter a wake-up state or wake-up mode, etc.

[0275] The communication method of this embodiment may optionally further include S805.

[0276] S805: The network device sends LP-WUS configuration information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the LP-WUS configuration information from the network device.

[0277] This step may refer to S402 and will not be described again here.

[0278] The communication method of this embodiment may optionally further include S830.

[0279] S830, the terminal device sends second information, and the second information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: a request by the terminal device to disable the LP-WUS function, a preference of the terminal device to disable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device has disabled the LP-WUS function, the signal quality of the terminal device, the service information of the terminal device, the channel condition of the terminal device, or the channel quality of the terminal device.

[0280] As an example, the terminal device sends the second information through the MR.

[0281] This step can refer to S406. For example, the third information in S406 is replaced with the second information here. Therefore, it is not repeated here. It should be noted that in S406, after receiving the third information, the network device will issue an LP-WUS activation command to the terminal device. In this embodiment, after receiving the second information, the network device may not issue an LP-WUS activation command to the terminal device. The network device can determine whether to enable its own LP-WUS function.

[0282] In this embodiment, the operation after the terminal device receives the second information can refer to the operation after the terminal device receives the fourth information in S430 and disables the LP-WUS function, which will not be repeated here.

[0283] In this embodiment, after the network device sends LP-WUS configuration information to the terminal device, the terminal device determines whether the LP-WUS function can be enabled by determining conditions (such as signal quality) and then reports an instruction to enable the LP-WUS function to the network device. This method does not require the network device to issue an explicit activation command, and the terminal device and the network device can align the timing of enabling the LP-WUS function.

[0284] Figure 9 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by another embodiment of the present application. The processing described below as being performed by a terminal device or a network device may also be performed by a device, module, circuit or chip in the terminal device or the network device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the terminal device or the network device. The processing performed by a single execution subject in the embodiment of the present application may also be divided into executions by multiple execution subjects, and these execution subjects may be logically and / or physically separated. For example, the processing performed by the network device may be divided into executions by at least one of a CU, a DU and a RU. As shown in Figure 9, the communication method may include S910, S920, S934, S935, and S940.

[0285] S910, the terminal device sends first information, where the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: a request by the terminal device to enable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device having enabled the LP-WUS function, the terminal device's preference for enabling the LP-WUS function, the signal quality of the terminal device, the service information of the terminal device, the channel condition of the terminal device, or the channel quality of the terminal device.

[0286] This step can be referred to S810 and will not be described again here.

[0287] S920: The terminal device enables the LP-WUS function for the first time. Correspondingly, the network device enables the LP-WUS function for the first time.

[0288] This step can be referred to S820 and will not be repeated here.

[0289] S934: The terminal device monitors the LP-WUS through the LR.

[0290] S935, the terminal device turns off the MR at a second time, where the second time is the time when the monitored LP-WUS is sent or the time when the terminal device successfully parses the monitored LP-WUS, or the second time is the time when the use of the MR is completed.

[0291] In this step, after the terminal device monitors the LP-WUS through the LR, it can determine the second time based on the monitored LP-WUS, or determine the second time based on its own needs.

[0292] As an example, when the first condition is met, the second time is the sending time of the LP-WUS or the time when the terminal device successfully parses the LP-WUS, and the first condition includes at least one of the following: the LP-WUS does not indicate waking up the MR, the LP-WUS does not indicate monitoring of the PDCCH, the LP-WUS does not indicate that there is business, the LP-WUS does not indicate that there is data, or the terminal device has no business or the terminal device has no data.

[0293] As an example, when the second condition is met, the second time is the completion time of MR use, and the second condition includes at least one of the following: the LP-WUS indicates waking up the MR, the LP-WUS indicates monitoring of PDCCH, the LP-WUS indicates that there is business, the LP-WUS indicates that there is data, the terminal device has data, or the terminal device has business.

[0294] It can be understood that the differences between the embodiment shown in Figure 9 and the embodiment described in Figure 8 include: in the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the terminal device turns off the MR when waking up the LR; in the embodiment shown in Figure 9, after the terminal device wakes up the LR, it is also necessary to determine the MR shutdown time based on the LP-WUS monitored by the LR and / or the terminal device's own MR usage requirements, that is, determine the second time, and then turn off the MR at the second time.

[0295] The communication method of this embodiment may optionally further include S905.

[0296] S905: The network device sends LP-WUS configuration information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the LP-WUS configuration information from the network device.

[0297] This step can be referred to S805 and will not be described again here.

[0298] The communication method of this embodiment may optionally further include S940.

[0299] S940, the terminal device sends second information, and the second information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: a request by the terminal device to disable the LP-WUS function, a preference of the terminal device to disable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device has disabled the LP-WUS function, the signal quality of the terminal device, the service information of the terminal device, the channel condition of the terminal device, or the channel quality of the terminal device.

[0300] This step can be referred to S840 and will not be repeated here.

[0301] Figure 10 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by another embodiment of the present application. The processing described below as being performed by a terminal device or a network device may also be performed by a device, module, circuit or chip in the terminal device or the network device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the terminal device or the network device. The processing performed by a single execution subject in the embodiment of the present application may also be divided into executions by multiple execution subjects, and these execution subjects may be logically and / or physically separated. For example, the processing performed by the network device may be divided into executions by at least one of a CU, a DU and a RU. As shown in Figure 10, the communication method may include S1010, S1020, S1030, and S1040.

[0302] S1010, the terminal device sends first information, where the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: a request by the terminal device to enable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device having enabled the LP-WUS function, the terminal device's preference for enabling the LP-WUS function, the signal quality of the terminal device, the service information of the terminal device, the channel condition of the terminal device, or the channel quality of the terminal device.

[0303] This step can be referred to S810 and will not be described again here.

[0304] S1020: The terminal device starts to monitor the LP-WUS through the MR at the first time. Accordingly, the network device may start to send the LP-WUS at the first time.

[0305] For the terminal device, the first time is the time when the first information is sent, or the first time is the time when the first information is successfully sent, and the time when the first information is successfully sent is the time when the terminal device receives the response information of the first information.

[0306] In this step, the network device may start sending the LP-WUS from the first time, which can be understood as: if there is a demand to send the LP-WUS to the terminal device at the first time or after the first time, the network device sends the LP-WUS.

[0307] As an example, the relevant content of the method for determining the first time can refer to the relevant content of the method for determining the first time in S820, which will not be repeated here.

[0308] S1030, the terminal device enables the LP-WUS function at a second time, where the second time is the time when the LP-WUS is sent or the time when the terminal device successfully parses the LP-WUS, or the second time is the time when the use of the MR is completed.

[0309] It can be understood that after the terminal device monitors the LP-WUS through the MR, it determines the second time based on the LP-WUS monitoring situation and / or the MR usage requirement of the terminal device, and enables the LP-WUS function at the second time.

[0310] As an example, when the first condition is met, the second time is the sending time of the LP-WUS or the time when the terminal device successfully parses the LP-WUS, and the first condition includes at least one of the following: the LP-WUS does not indicate waking up the MR, the LP-WUS does not indicate monitoring of the physical downlink control channel PDCCH, the LP-WUS does not indicate that there is business, the LP-WUS does not indicate that there is data, the terminal device has no business, or the terminal device has no data.

[0311] As an example, the second time is the completion time of the use of the MR, and the second condition includes at least one of the following: the LP-WUS indicates waking up the MR, the LP-WUS indicates monitoring of PDCCH, the LP-WUS indicates that there is business, the LP-WUS indicates that there is data, the terminal device has data, or the terminal device has business.

[0312] In this embodiment, optionally, after the terminal device enables the LP-WUS function, it can wake up the LR and shut down the MR.

[0313] It can be understood that the differences between the embodiment shown in Figure 10 and the embodiment described in Figure 9 include: in the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the terminal device monitors LP-WUS through LR and then determines the shutdown time of MR; in the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the terminal device monitors LP-WUS through MR and then determines the shutdown time of MR.

[0314] The communication method of this embodiment may optionally further include S1005.

[0315] S1005: The network device sends LP-WUS configuration information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the LP-WUS configuration information from the network device.

[0316] This step can be referred to S805 and will not be described again here.

[0317] The communication method of this embodiment may optionally further include S1040.

[0318] S1040, the terminal device sends second information, and the second information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: a request by the terminal device to disable the LP-WUS function, a preference of the terminal device to disable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device has disabled the LP-WUS function, the signal quality of the terminal device, the service information of the terminal device, the channel condition of the terminal device, or the channel quality of the terminal device.

[0319] This step can be referred to S830 and will not be repeated here.

[0320] In one embodiment of the present application, the terminal device may send a UAI to the network device. After the network device obtains the UAI reported by the terminal device, it may perform subsequent scheduling based on the content in the UAI. The UAI may carry LP-WUS related auxiliary information.

[0321] As an example, the LP-WUS-related auxiliary information may include at least one of the following information: the terminal device's preference for activating or deactivating or using LP-WUS; the quality of the LP-WUS signal received by the terminal device or the reference signal on the LR, such as good or poor quality; whether the terminal device has activated or not activated the LP-WUS function.

[0322] For example, when a terminal device needs to save energy, it can report its preference value for using LR and / or MR in UAI, or report its preference value for whether to enable the LP-WUS function. The network device selects the corresponding configuration and sends it to the terminal device based on the preference value reported by the terminal device through UAI, thereby achieving the effect of energy saving for the terminal device.

[0323] As an example, the UAI information in any of the aforementioned embodiments may be the UAI in this embodiment.

[0324] In some embodiments of the present application, optionally, it may include both the steps in the embodiment shown in Figure 3 and the steps in the embodiment shown in Figure 8; optionally, it may include both the steps in the embodiment shown in Figure 3 and the steps in the embodiment shown in Figure 9; it may include both the steps in the embodiment shown in Figure 4 and the steps in the embodiment shown in Figure 8; optionally, it may include both the steps in the embodiment shown in Figure 4 and the steps in the embodiment shown in Figure 9.

[0325] It should be understood that, in this application, indication includes direct indication (also known as explicit indication) and implicit indication. Direct indication of information A refers to including information A; implicit indication of information A refers to indicating information A through the correspondence between information A and information B and the direct indication of information B. The correspondence between information A and information B can be predefined, pre-stored, pre-burned, or pre-configured.

[0326] It should be understood that, in this application, information C is used to determine information D, which includes both information D being determined solely based on information C and information D being determined based on information C and other information. Furthermore, information C can also be used to determine information D indirectly, for example, where information D is determined based on information E, and information E is determined based on information C.

[0327] In addition, in each embodiment of the present application, "device A sends information A to device B" can be understood as the destination of the information A or the intermediate device in the transmission path between the destination and the device B, which may include directly or indirectly sending information to device B. "Device B receives information A from device A" can be understood as the source of the information A or the intermediate device in the transmission path between the source and the device A, which may include directly or indirectly receiving information from device A. The information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination of the information, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood similarly and will not be elaborated here.

[0328] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG11 , the device 1100 may include a processing module 1101 and a communication module 1102 .

[0329] As a first example, the apparatus 1100 can be used to implement the communication method implemented by a terminal device in any of the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 10. For example, the processing module 1101 is used to implement the processing-related steps performed by the terminal device in any of the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 10, and the communication module 1102 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving steps performed by the terminal device in any of the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 10.

[0330] As a second example, the apparatus 1100 can be used to implement the communication method implemented by a network device in any of the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 10. For example, the processing module 1101 is used to implement the processing-related steps performed by the network device in any of the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 10, and the communication module 1102 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving steps performed by the network device in any of the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 10.

[0331] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in another embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 12, the device 1200 includes a processor 1201 and a communication circuit 1202. The processor 1201 and the communication circuit 1202 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the communication circuit 1202 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the device 1200 may also include a memory 1203 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1201 or storing input data required by the processor 1201 to run the instructions or storing data generated after the processor 1201 runs the instructions. It is understood that the memory 1203 can be located outside the processor 1201, or inside the processor 1201.

[0332] As an example, the processor 1201 is used to implement the functions of the above-mentioned processing module 1101, and the communication circuit 1202 is used to implement the functions of the above-mentioned communication module 1102.

[0333] Apparatus 1200 may be a communication device or a chip used in a communication device. For example, apparatus 1200 may be a terminal device or a chip used in a terminal device, or a network device or a chip used in a network device. It is understood that when apparatus 1200 is a terminal device or a network device, communication circuit 1202 may be a transceiver.

[0334] In some embodiments of the present application, a computer program product is also provided. When the computer program product is run on a processor, it can implement the method implemented by the terminal device in any of the above embodiments, or it can implement the method implemented by the network device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0335] In some embodiments of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, which includes computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed on a processor, the method implemented by the terminal device in any of the above embodiments can be implemented, or the method implemented by the network device in any of the above method embodiments can be implemented.

[0336] In some embodiments of the present application, a communication system is also provided, which can implement the method implemented by the terminal device and the network device in any of the above embodiments.

[0337] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application can be the following devices or all or part of the circuits in the following devices for processing functions: a central processing unit (CPU), and can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0338] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules can be stored in a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, an erasable programmable read-only memory, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, a register, a hard disk, a mobile hard disk, a CD-ROM or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be an integral part of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in a network device or a terminal device. Of course, the processor and the storage medium can also be present in a network device or a terminal device as discrete components.

[0339] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are performed in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user device, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions may be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; an optical medium, such as a digital video disk; or a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive.

[0340] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0341] It is understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device and / or the network device can perform some or all of the steps in each embodiment. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of the present application can also perform other operations or variations of various operations. In addition, each step can be performed in the different orders presented in each embodiment, and it is possible not to perform all the operations in the embodiments of the present application, and the various digital numbers involved in the embodiments of the present application are only for the convenience of description and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. The size of the sequence number of each of the above processes does not mean the order of execution, and the order of execution of each process should be determined by its function and inherent logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a terminal device, the method comprises: Receive a first message, where the first message includes low power consumption wake-up signal LP-WUS configuration information; Enable the LP-WUS function as soon as possible; Among them, the first time is the receiving time of the first message, or the first time is separated from the receiving time of the first message by a first time interval, or the first time is separated from the sending time of the second message by a first time interval, or the first time is separated from the sending time of the second message by a first time interval, or the first time is the receiving time of the response information of the second message, or the first time is separated from the receiving time of the response information of the second message by a first time interval, and the second message is used to respond to the first message.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The LP-WUS configuration information includes at least one of the following information: time domain configuration information of LP-WUS, frequency domain configuration information of LP-WUS, bandwidth configuration information of LP-WUS, reference signal configuration information of LP-WUS, identification information of the terminal device, or the purpose of enabling the LP-WUS function.

3. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a terminal device, the method comprises: Receive first information, where the first information is used to indicate enabling a low power consumption wake-up signal LP-WUS function; Enable the LP-WUS function as soon as possible; The first time is the receiving time of the first information, or the first time is separated from the receiving time of the first information by a first time period, or the first time is the sending time of the second information, or the first time is separated from the sending time of the second information by a first time period, or the first time is the receiving time of the response information of the second information, or the first time is separated from the receiving time of the response information of the second information by a first time period, and the second information is used to respond to the first information.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: A first message is received, wherein the first message includes LP-WUS configuration information.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The LP-WUS configuration information includes at least one of the following information: time domain configuration information of LP-WUS, frequency domain configuration information of LP-WUS, bandwidth configuration information of LP-WUS, reference signal configuration information of LP-WUS, identification information of the terminal device, or the purpose of enabling the LP-WUS function.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that The method further comprises: Send third information, where the third information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: the terminal device requests to enable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device has enabled the LP-WUS function, the terminal device's preference for enabling the LP-WUS function, the signal quality of the terminal device, the service information of the terminal device, the channel condition of the terminal device, or the channel quality of the terminal device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that The method further comprises: Send fourth information, where the fourth information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: a request by the terminal device to disable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device having disabled the LP-WUS function, a preference of the terminal device to disable the LP-WUS function, a signal quality of the terminal device, service information of the terminal device, a channel condition of the terminal device, or a channel quality of the terminal device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that The method further comprises: The fifth information is received through the secondary receiver LR of the terminal device, where the fifth information is used to indicate disabling of the LP-WUS function.

9. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that The method further comprises: The fifth information is received through the main receiver MR of the terminal device, where the fifth information is used to indicate disabling of the LP-WUS function.

10. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied in a terminal device, the method comprises: Sending first information, where the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: a request by the terminal device to enable a low power wake-up signal LP-WUS function, the terminal device having enabled the LP-WUS function, a preference of the terminal device to enable the LP-WUS function, a signal quality of the terminal device, service information of the terminal device, a channel condition of the terminal device, or a channel quality of the terminal device; Enable the LP-WUS function as soon as possible; Among them, the first time is the sending time of the first information, or the first time is the time interval between the first time and the sending of the first information, or the first time is the time when the first information is successfully sent, or the first time interval between the first time and the successful sending of the first information, and the time when the first information is successfully sent is the time when the terminal device receives the response information of the first information.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second information is sent through the main receiver MR of the terminal device, where the second information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: The terminal device requests to disable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device's preference to disable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device has disabled the LP-WUS function, the signal quality of the terminal device, the service information of the terminal device, the channel condition of the terminal device, or the channel quality of the terminal device.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Monitoring LP-WUS by means of a secondary receiver LR of the terminal device; The MR is turned off at a second time, where the second time is the sending time of the LP-WUS or the time when the terminal device successfully parses the LP-WUS, or the second time is the use completion time of the MR.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that When the first condition is met, the second time is the sending time of the LP-WUS or the time when the terminal device successfully parses the LP-WUS, and the first condition includes at least one of the following: the LP-WUS does not indicate waking up the MR, the LP-WUS does not indicate monitoring of the physical downlink control channel PDCCH, the LP-WUS does not indicate that there is a service, the LP-WUS does not indicate that there is data, or the terminal device has no service or the terminal device has no data; and / or, When the second condition is met, the second time is the use completion time of the MR, and the second condition includes at least one of the following: the LP-WUS indicates to wake up the MR, the LP-WUS indicates to monitor PDCCH, the LP-WUS indicates that there is business, the LP-WUS indicates that there is data, the terminal device has data, or the terminal device has business.

14. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a terminal device, the method comprises: Sending first information, where the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: a request by the terminal device to enable a low power wake-up signal LP-WUS function, that the terminal device has enabled LP-WUS, a signal quality of the terminal device, service information of the terminal device, a channel condition of the terminal device, a preference of the terminal device to enable the LP-WUS function, or a channel quality of the terminal device; Start monitoring LP-WUS through the main receiver MR of the terminal device at a first time, where the first time is the sending time of the first information, or the first time is the time when the first information is successfully sent, and the time when the first information is successfully sent is the time when the terminal device receives the response information of the first information.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The method further comprises: The LP-WUS function is enabled at a second time, where the second time is the sending time of the LP-WUS or the time when the terminal device successfully parses the LP-WUS, or the second time is the use completion time of the MR.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that When the first condition is met, the second time is the sending time of the LP-WUS or the time when the terminal device successfully parses the LP-WUS, and the first condition includes at least one of the following: the LP-WUS does not indicate waking up the MR, the LP-WUS does not indicate monitoring of the physical downlink control channel PDCCH, the LP-WUS does not indicate that there is a service, the LP-WUS does not indicate that there is data, the terminal device has no service, or the terminal device has no data; and / or, When the second condition is met, the second time is the use completion time of the MR, and the second condition includes at least one of the following: the LP-WUS indicates to wake up the MR, the LP-WUS indicates to monitor PDCCH, the LP-WUS indicates that there is business, the LP-WUS indicates that there is data, the terminal device has data, or the terminal device has business.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that The method further comprises: The MR is turned off at the second time.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that Before shutting down the MR, the method further includes: The second information is sent through the MR, and the second information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: the terminal device requests to disable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device has disabled LP-WUS, the terminal device's preference for disabling the LP-WUS function, the signal quality of the terminal device, the service information of the terminal device, the channel condition of the terminal device, or the channel quality of the terminal device.

19. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a network device, the method comprises: Sending a first message, wherein the first message includes a low power consumption wake-up signal LP-WUS configuration; Enable the LP-WUS function as soon as possible; The first time is the sending time of the first message, or the first time is a first time interval between the sending of the first message and the first time, or the first time is the receiving time of the second message, or the first time is a first time interval between the receiving of the second message and the first time. The first duration, or the first time is the sending time of the response information of the second message, or the first time is separated from the sending time of the response information of the second message by a first duration, and the second message is used to respond to the first message.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The LP-WUS configuration includes at least one of the following information: time domain configuration information of LP-WUS, frequency domain configuration information of LP-WUS, bandwidth configuration information of LP-WUS, reference signal configuration information of LP-WUS, identification information of the terminal device, or the purpose of enabling the LP-WUS function.

21. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a network device, the method comprises: Sending first information, where the first information is used to indicate enabling a low power consumption wake-up signal LP-WUS function; Enable the LP-WUS function as soon as possible; The first time is the sending time of the first information, or the first time is separated from the sending time of the first information by a first time period, or the first time is the receiving time of the second information, or the first time is separated from the receiving time of the second information by a first time period, or the first time is the sending time of the response information of the second information, or the first time is separated from the sending time of the response information of the second information by a first time period, and the second information is used to respond to the first information.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The method further comprises: A first message is sent, where the first message includes LP-WUS configuration information.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The LP-WUS configuration information includes at least one of the following information: time domain configuration information of LP-WUS, frequency domain configuration information of LP-WUS, bandwidth configuration information of LP-WUS, reference signal configuration information of LP-WUS, identification information of the terminal device, or the purpose of enabling the LP-WUS function.

24. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive third information, where the third information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: a request by the terminal device to enable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device having enabled the LP-WUS function, a preference of the terminal device to enable the LP-WUS function, a signal quality of the terminal device, service information of the terminal device, a channel condition of the terminal device, or a channel quality of the terminal device.

25. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive fourth information, where the fourth information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: a request by the terminal device to disable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device having disabled the LP-WUS function, a preference of the terminal device to disable the LP-WUS function, a signal quality of the terminal device, service information of the terminal device, a channel condition of the terminal device, or a channel quality of the terminal device.

26. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 25, characterized in that The method further comprises: Send fifth information, where the fifth information is used to indicate disabling of the LP-WUS function.

27. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied in a network device, the method comprises: Receive first information, where the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: a request by the terminal device to enable a low power wake-up signal LP-WUS function, the terminal device having enabled the LP-WUS function, a preference of the terminal device to enable the LP-WUS function, a signal quality of the terminal device, service information of the terminal device, a channel condition of the terminal device, or a channel quality of the terminal device; Enable the LP-WUS function as soon as possible; The first time is the receiving time of the first information, or the first time is separated from the receiving time of the first information by a first time duration, or the first time is the sending time of the response information of the first information, or the first time is separated from the sending time of the response information of the first information by a first time duration.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive second information, where the second information is used to indicate at least one of the following information: a request by the terminal device to disable the LP-WUS function, a preference of the terminal device to disable the LP-WUS function, the terminal device having disabled the LP-WUS function, a signal quality of the terminal device, service information of the terminal device, a channel condition of the terminal device, or a channel quality of the terminal device.

29. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a functional module for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, or comprises a functional module for implementing the method according to any one of claims 19 to 28.

30. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a processor configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, or configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 19 to 28.

31. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium comprises instructions, which, when executed, enable the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18 to be implemented, or enable the method according to any one of claims 19 to 28 to be implemented.

Images